A Painting a Day - Day 30

There is something about that moment when I had the color and shading to the eye that the painting suddenly feel right to me. With watercolor, you have to plan way ahead and there are parts of it that you have to leave white for a while. The eyes stay white a long time when I paint and it always makes me dissatisfied for the longest time. I start to hate a painting and think I should just trash it. Then I add color and black to the eye with a little highlight showing through and it all comes together. The eyes are the windows to the soul and until you can see them clearly, the soul is hidden. But when it is revealed it is so right.

This dachshund and grasshopper are painted on 8 x 10 watercolor paper. And since it is day 30 (I can't believe I have done this every single day for a whole month!!) this painting is for sale for $30. If you would like to buy it please email me at lauraparkhurstillustrator@gmail.com. Thanks for coming by today. Hope you can make it back tomorrow!

A Painting a Day - Day 29

Years ago I was a graphic designer. I had "settled' for that as a vocation. It made more sense than actually pursuing the dream of being an artist because I had bought into the idea that artists starve, that art is a hobby for retired people, that only rich people can be artist. Graphic designer was a job title that had a place to work and an employer.

I didn't love my job.

There were days when I would feel the frustration of working with a hard to please customer. Today I am the hard to please customer.

Even though this is not my favorite painting and the scan is not so great, this little hedgehog is cute! I wasn't sure I could paint one because they have all those spines! This was actually a suggestion from a friend and I am glad I took the challenge. I didn't have to paint every spine. Suggestion is important in art, even more so than perfect representation.

This little hedgehog is 8 x 10 and $29 for the 29th day of my challenge. If you would like to buy him please email me at lauraparkhurstillustrator@gmail.com. The first person I hear from can purchase him. Thanks for watching my art. Hope you can come again tomorrow.

A Painting a Day - Day 28

I have now reached the point of doing this not because of a drive or even a joyful feeling but rather out of sheer discipline. My sister asked me if I was still doing this because I wanted to or if because I had told everybody that I was going to do it. I couldn't lie. At this point I am doing it because I want to save face.

Now that doesn't mean I am not enjoying the art. Today's painting really turned out nicely. I was able to replicate some techniques in it that prove I am learning not just experimenting and that is fun and encouraging. But earlier in the evening, my kids and husband were watching a movie and I really wanted to sit in my lounge chair and zone out. Sitting at my drawing desk with  my back to the TV is not the same as vegging in front of the TV. But knowing there are folks watching me do this challenge is keeping me going simply because of my pride. That is not a bad thing.

In the days to come, I am sure I will feel joy over drawing a good composition or seeing the paint doing something lovely. Feelings change from day to day.I can't count on WANTING to do this. I have to count on DECIDING to do this. I already did that.

Today's painting is 8 x 10 and available for sale. If you would like to purchase it please email me at lauraparkhurstillustrator@gmail.com. The first person I hear from can buy this little banded owl.

Thanks for coming by today. Thanks for keeping me accountable!

A Painting a Day - Day 27

I started following a Facebook page called Monarch Butterfly Garden two years ago which reports on Monarch butterflies, their migration, their life cycle, their favorite flowers... that sort of thing. Last summer was hard on the Monarchs. Their numbers had dwindled to an all time low. According to the link on this page, some scientists were concerned that the Monarch might be in danger of losing their migration pattern. The whole thing made me sad. I learned about milkweed and looked into finding seeds to plant. It felt awful not seeing but one last fall when I could remember seeing so many in years gone by.

Then this spring and summer a wonderful thing happened. The butterflies rebounded. And it was because the drought of the past 3 years had ended in the Midwest. Any time I saw grassy areas I looked for milkweeds and sure enough, they were growing. I even saw milkweed growing undisturbed in medians on state roads. Clearly even regional groups were trying to help the monarch come back. And it seems to be working. I have seen so many this year. My daughter even told me the teachers had prevented her and her classmates from playing on the concrete on the play ground because a large group of Monarchs had pooled on the warm cement and the children had been told they could not play there until the butterflies left. My daughter said with a chagrin that the butterflies stayed the entire recess!

For me the Monarch represents, not only the image of rebirth, which reminds me of my spiritual journey as a Christian, for I am a new creation in Christ, but it also represents my journey to becoming an artist. Even as the Monarch follows her calling to that long flight to Mexico, I have finally followed my calling to create art. It has been a long journey and it has been one I was not sure I would ever take. But today I am. So when I see the Monarchs passing by, heading for their wintering place, I rejoice because I know God has it handled.

This Monarch is my 27th painting in my series of 100 animal paintings in 100 days. It is available for sale for $27. It is 8 x 10 and ready to frame. If you would like to buy it for yourself or as a gift for someone else, please email me at lauraparkhurstillustrator@gmail.com. The first person I hear from can purchase it.

Thanks so much for following me on my journey. I hope you will continue to do so. I love the company!

A Painting a Day - Day 26

This has been quite a week. My house is a mess. My energy is gone. I have a list of to do's a page long. I really need to go to bed. Several times I thought, "I just don't want to do this today!" But knowing someone is waiting to see my painting a day project keeps me going. I cannot say how grateful I am for everyone who is rooting for me, keeping track of my progress and smiling when they look at each day's new painting. I am very nearly a month into this and I am just as excited, if much more tired, as I was on September 1st. I love making art. I love meeting new people. I love learning new things. I love taking a chance. I love that there is someone clicking on my post and enjoying the beautiful thing I made. I am sharing my heart and my talent and receiving so much in return.

This painting is all about love. That is what I am feeling. Painting #26 is available for $26. If you would like to buy it, please email me at lauraparkhurstillustrator@gmail.com. The first person I hear from can purchase it.

Thank YOU for following my daily paintings. I hope I have made you smile. I hope I get to make you smile again tomorrow!

A Painting a Day - Day 25

Where would we be without our friends? Friends comfort us, make us laugh, cry with us, give us advice and encourage us to play and enjoy life.

This pair have overcome their differences to become friends, offering affection and love and presence.

This painting is 8 x 10 and ready to frame.  Since it is the 25th painting, it is for sale for $25. If you are interested in buying it, please email me at lauraparkhurstillustrator@gmail.com. The first person I hear from can purchase these friends.

Thanks for visiting today. I appreciate that you are with me on this journey of creativity and discipline. Hope to see you again tomorrow!

A Painting a Day - Day 24

It is amazing how much we love our pets. I was thinking of this when I was doing this picture. They fill a place in our lives that no human being can. I have had pets most of my life and the older I get, the more precious they have become. Before I had babies, my cat was my baby. Now my dog is my constant companion when I am not in places she is not allowed. I love her fur, her eyes, her wagging tale. And the love I have for her is totally selfish because I have no idea what would make her feel as loved as she makes me. She just seems to delight in being with me. I wish I could love like that.

Today's picture is #24 in my series of 100. I changed the size today. This is 8 x 10 and ready for a frame. It is watercolor on watercolor paper. It is available for sale for $24. If you would like to buy it, please email me at lauraparkhurstillustrator@gmail.com. The first person I hear from can purchase it.

Thanks again for following my art journey. It means so much to know you are visiting me!

A Painting a Day - Day 23

Sometimes it is hard to remember mistakes are usually lessons waiting to be learned.  I just have to have a teachable heart. Without the teachable heart, I will be discouraged by the mistake and want to give up.  I will want to be angry or depressed.  But if I see the lesson and know there are opportunities awaiting me, then I have hope and hope gives me the ability to learn.

Every painting is a lesson on this journey.  Not every painting is going to be perfect.  Not every painting is going to be something that someone will want.  And that is okay. Because there will be a new painting tomorrow. I am learning. That is the purpose in the end.

A friend who has been enjoying my paintings said she wanted to see a unicorn.  So here is a unicorn.  I am keeping a list of requests since 100 days is a long time and ideas can sometimes feel scarce. This painting was a good lesson, and it is okay that it is not perfect. I learned from it.

It is available for sale. It is 5 x 7 on watercolor paper. As this is day 23 it is for sale for $23.  If you would like to buy it, please email me at lauraparkhurstillustrator@gmail.com.  The first person I hear from can purchase it.

Thanks for visiting today.  I hope you can come again tomorrow!

A Painting a Day - Day 22

I started taking violin lessons back in February. I never took a music lesson before that in my life. So this has been a hard thing for me. Many times I have thought about quitting the lessons because I really don't practice enough.  I have good intentions and then all of a sudden it is lesson day again, a whole week has passed and I didn't pick it up more than once that week.  That is not enough practice.  But in spite of that, I have kept going to my lesson and some weeks I do practice more than once.  And in infrequent moments, I feel like my fingers know the right places to go to form each note. My bow doesn't hit the stings on either side of the string I am trying to play. And in that moment I make music and I feel lifted and triumphant and I smile.  I will probably never perform in front of anyone. To me that is okay because I am doing this for me, proving I can learn something new and conquer it.

The cat and the fiddle keeps drawing me back.  I have drawn and painted this before.  I think I just like the violin and cat. I imagine I am the cat and playing the fiddle may be something a bit unnatural for me, it just feels like a good fit.

This little cat and his fiddle are my 22nd painting in this series of 100.  He is for sale for $22.  If you would like to buy him, please email me at lauraparkhurstillustrator@gmail.com.  The first person I hear from can purchase him.

Thanks for following my art.  Hope to see you tomorrow!

A Painting a Day - Day 21

The first day of fall is this Tuesday.  I drove down to my dad's house today.  The leaves are mostly still green, but here and there are bursts of orange and red.  The soybean fields are beginning to look ready for harvest and the corn has begun to turn.  Autumn is upon us.

I painted this squirrel with fall in mind.  The ripe cob of corn and the orange tree speak to that.  I had seen a squirrel like this one sitting on a fence, taking a moment before he bolted away across the yard.  I know the squirrels are getting ready for the seasonal change as are all the animals. Even my dog is shedding less despite the fact she won't be outside to endure the changes.

This is the 21st day of my challenge.  I have been doing this for three weeks! I am really proud of my commitment and for how much growth this is causing to happen in me as an artist.  Someone posted a comment that 100 paintings would make one a level 2 artist.  I'm not sure what that means, but I do know I will have learned a lot about my craft. I hope I will continue to improve and grow.

As this is day 21, this painting, which is a 5 x 7 watercolor, is available for sale for $21.  If you would like to purchase it, please send me and email at lauraparkhurstillustrator@gmail.com.  The first person I hear from can buy it.  Thanks so much for following my art.  I have spoken to several people who are following along and they wait to see what I am going to post for each day.  I love hearing that.  I love that I am not on this journey alone.  I appreciate all the encouragement so much! Hope you can visit again tomorrow!

A Painting a Day - Day 20

Day 20 and I am a fifth of the way there!  This has been a challenging week.  I have felt tempted to give this up pretty much every day of this past week.  Life can bee overwhelming sometimes.  Sometimes you need a sense of humor just to face it all.

This handsome fellow is my little stab at humor.  I had sketched this a year ago and found it back tonight and thought it would work in my animal theme.  Most of my pictures are straight forward.  This one is just for fun.  And don't we all enjoy a pun from time to time.?

As this is the 20th painting, it is available for purchase for $20.  If you are interested in it, please email me at lauraparkhurstillustrator@gmail.com. This gentleman mouse would make a great gift for someone or for yourself.  And if you know someone who might like it, please share this post with them.

Grateful that you came to look at my art.  Hope to see you again tomorrow for a new painting!

A Painting a Day - Day 19

When I was a little girl, there were always cats and kittens on our family farm.  I remember a picture my mom took of my dad walking to the barn followed by a whole troop of cats.  I bet there were thirty or more.  I would look forward to spring because there would be kittens.  And when one of my kittens died, I would begin wishing for spring because a new kitten would ease the loss of my pet.  I have had a lot of cats over my life time.  Farm life is hard on cats.  There is disease and trucks, cars and tractors.  There are other cats and sometimes dogs to beware of.  I would enjoy them as long as I could which might be for a few years.  Then they would disappear.  I would then hope for a new kitten.  Sounds kind of heartless now since I have house pets who live at least 10 years.  And I love my cats, but a new kitten melts my heart and the crazy cat lady says, "We could take him home!"  Then I say, "Shush crazy cat lady! Two cats, a dog, two kids and a husband are MORE than enough!" So I snuggle the kitten for a minute and put him down.  Someone else will love him too.

This little kitten needs a home.  And because he is so cute, I put him in a poke-a-dot apron pocket.  He is available for $19 as this is day 19 of my 100 day challenge to paint 100 paintings in 100 days.  If you would like to give him a home, you can email me at lauraparkhurstillustrator@gmail.com.  The first person I hear from can buy him.

Thanks again for following my art journey.  I can't believe I have done this for 19 days straight!  81 more to go!!  Hope you can check in again tomorrow!

A Painting a Day - Day 18

Sometimes if feels like the day just runs away from us.  That was the day for me.  I kept trying to grab hold and accomplish something, but the day got away. The only tasks I finished were the dishes and today's painting.  Everything else is only half done.  Not being able to complete a task is so frustrating.

I think that is why I chose the setting of this painting to be a misty beach.  The horizon is a dim line and the sky and sea are gray and without edges.  The unexpected thing was how much I enjoyed painting the gray sea and the damp beach.  The horse seems like a ghost, ready to disappear into the mist.

Today's painting, which is on 5 x 7 watercolor paper is available for sale for $18.  If you are interested in purchasing it, please email me at lauraparkhurstillustrator@gmail.com.  The first person I hear from can buy it.

Thank you for following my art.  The days really seem to by slipping by so quickly.  It seems like the day starts and I am full of ambition, then by 2 pm I am realizing I don't have a sketch done for today's painting yet because I am so busy.  But really it's a good thing. I am busy making art and that is what I have always wanted to do.

Hope you can make it by again tomorrow!

A Painting a Day - Day 17

I am LATE!  I did not even make the midnight cut off for the official end of the 17th of September! So I am frustrated, but I did make a piece of art.  It is done, it is just tardy.

I have created a goldfinch for day 17.  When I was around the age of 12 or 13 (a painfully awkward season in my life, when I was embarrassed about everything) my family took a trip westward.  Now when my dad took a trip back then, he would pick a general direction, figure up how much money he had to spend, drive in the decided direction and when he was half way through the money, he would turn around and come home.  Now there may have been more planning involved than that but that was the way he described his trip planning to his preteen daughter.

On our journey we traveled through Iowa.  I don't recall much of Iowa.  Lots of corn fields.  But we did stop in a little town that had a gift store that was full of corn souvenirs and Iowa themed knickknacks.  I picked out a necklace with a pewter pendant which had an enamel goldfinch on it.  I had decided sometime before that goldfinches were my favorite birds.  Probably because of an art kit I had received for Christmas which had been a paint-able goldfinch model.  Anyway, I knew that the goldfinch was the state bird of Iowa but for some reason when I was discussing the necklace with my parents I called it the state bird of Ohio. Now Ohio and Indiana have their state birds in common.  They both chose the cardinal.  Not that this matters.  My twelve year old brain managed to get the words Iowa and Ohio mixed up.  Never the less, my dad got such a kick out of my mistake that he teased me about it all the way to Nebraska and back to Indiana.  And even to this day, if you ask him about goldfinches, he will tell you they are the state bird of Ohio and get this silly grin on his face.

Well, this little goldfinch is not the state bird of Ohio.  But it is for sale for $17.  If you would like to buy it, please email me at lauraparkhurstillustrator@gmail.com. The first person I hear from can purchase it.  Thanks so much for following me as I create this series.  Your comments are also welcome.

A Painting a Day - Day 16

When I see pictures of elephants, I feel sad.  This goes along with what I talked about yesterday and thinking about what the purpose of my art is, which I want it to be about creating beauty.  Elephants are beautiful in a wild, awe inspiring way.  They are strange in their form, not familiar like animals that look like deer or horses or cats or dog.  Those kinds of animals are relate-able  So if I see a gazelle, it reminds me of a deer which are familiar to me.  But when I see an elephant it is almost other worldly, exotic and strange.  And so beautiful when they are in action, moving swifter than their bulky forms would hint they were capable of.

So why am I sad? Elephants are disappearing.  I read an article in Smithsonian Magazine a couple months ago and it made me realize there really could be a day when Africa is empty of this majestic and iconic animal.  And it is all because of the evil and greed of man. That is why I am sad. Because the elephant should be an image of God's creativity and majesty.  Instead it is a symbol of the depravity of which people are capable.

I painted a picture of this elephant family, that even though it makes me sad, represents love, which I believe elephants feel. God did make them and He gave them a capacity for affection, joy and grief which is so close to human beings it stirs our hearts and minds.  This elephant picture represents the love of a parent and child and it represents God's love which is all around us.

This painting is available for $16.  It is 5 x 7 on watercolor paper.  If you are interested in it please email me at lauraparkhurstillustrator@gmail.com.

Thanks again for following my art.  Today I was cutting it close as it is 10 til Midnight as I write these words. But I made it.  And if you know anyone who might enjoy this picture, please share it with them!

A Painting a Day - Day 15

I've been thinking a lot about this project. In fact, I think about it all day long.  What is the purpose of it? Does it have a message?  What am I trying to say?  I know there are artists that use their art to protest an injustice or to challenge social mores or to comment on an injustice or a pervasive mentality. I wonder if my art should carry that kind of weight. But I can't help myself. I like to make pretty pictures.  I had a professor say tell me I was really good at making pretty pictures very quickly. Then he said I need to work some more on my paintings.  That really perplexed me.  Wasn't it enough to make something beautiful? Apparently he wanted me to wrestle with the painting.  I felt like I had already won.

As I was thinking on all of this I recalled a Bible verse "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things."  Philippians 4:8.I want to think about the beautiful things in life. There are injustices and dark and terrible deeds perpetrated by human beings on each other and other living things.  And it makes my heart freeze.  But to only know about these things is not enough. I have to be strong enough to face them and push against them. The only way I can is if I have hope.  Beauty can create hope in our hearts. It gives us a reason to fight. It is beauty that causes us to see the injustice and darkness for what it is - a twisting of what we were meant to be.  Beauty reminds us of all the good that can be and should be.

So I will paint pretty pictures of kittens and children and horses and birds because they are beautiful and they remind me to have hope.

This painting, #15, is for sale for $15.  It is 5 x 7 and ready for framing.  If you would like to buy it, please email me at lauraparkhurstillustrator@gmail.com.  Thank you so much for coming to see my art.  And please share it with someone who needs to see something pretty.

A Painting a Day - Day 14

I have really struggled today.  So many negative thoughts racing around in my head today.  Will I be able to keep this up, doing a painting everyday?  Will I be able to do it and not neglect my other obligations?  Will I ever get over worrying about what other people think?  This is when the announcer stops and says "Tune in next week and find out!"

I realize fears are mostly just shadows that give us the willies but don't have any way to actually harm us.  I think I am just feeling overwhelmed with all of my day to day stuff and I will feel better in a few days.  I just have to make up my mind to keep going and not give into the fears in my head.

There I've decided.  There will be another painting posted tomorrow.  Unless I die and then I won't be worried about anything!

Speaking of fears. This mountain lion would strike fear into the heart of any one who might meet her.  I have lived in Indiana all my life and there haven't been mountains lions around here in years...depending on who you ask.  I hear the rumors and the stories of hearing eerie screams coming from the hollars in the dark of the night. The kind of sound that makes the hair on the back of your neck stand on end.  There may be a mountain lion out there deep in the woods.  I hope they stay out there because it makes me cringe to think they might come near.

This beautiful cougar is for sale for $14.  She is painted in watercolor on watercolor paper and is 5 x 7 in size. You can email me at lauraparkhurstillustrator@gmail.com if you would like to purchase her.  She would also make a great gift.  Or maybe you know someone who loves mountain lions, please share this with them.

Thanks for stopping to look at my art today.  Hope you can come again tomorrow to see what I paint next!

A Painting a Day - Day 13

I had so much fun doing the textures in yesterday's tiger painting I wanted to try it again.  This time I went for strong contrast with the black and white of the panda and then the shadows created by the bamboo leaves behind him.  I don't use black too often and it was fun to see the pigment spread in interesting patterns over the wet areas of the watercolor paper. That is harder to see with lighter colors.

As it is day 13, this painting is for sale for $13.  Please email me at lauraparkhurstillustrator @gmail.com if you are interested in purchasing it.  The first person I hear from can buy it.  And if you don't feel inclined to purchase it for yourself, this panda would make a great gift.  Or maybe you know someone who would enjoy it.  Please share this post with that someone! Thanks for coming to see my artwork.  I am creating quite a collection in a very short time which is really exciting.  It has been a fun challenge fitting painting in a midst day to day life.

A Painting a Day - Day 12

After doing dogs and cats and horse, animals that a near to us on a daily basis, I thought I would do something more exotic.  Tigers have so much drama with their expression and their color.  I like the contrast of the tiger's coat with the yellow green of the grass and leaves.  And creating patterns with leaves, grasses and strips was fun. Even the water has a ripple in it.

I am learning so much about watercolor by painting a complete piece everyday.  I am learning how to build up the colors, to create depth and shadow and drama.

This 12th painting is for sale for $12.  It is on 5 x 7 watercolor paper, ready to frame.  If you are interested in purchasing it, please email me at lauraparkhurstillustrator@gmail.com.  The first person I hear from can be the new owner of this beautiful tiger.

Thanks so much for stopping to see my art work.

A Painting a Day - Day 11

Today we remember those who lost their lives when terrorists thought they could cripple America with a horrific, monumental act of terror.  For all of the faults America may have, we are still a strong and resilient people. Like this majestic bird which is our symbol, we can still soar on strong wings, reaching new heights. One of the most important things about art is that it can express our deepest emotions.  Today, emotions are stirred by memory and it hurts to remember but it is good to see the perseverance in our hearts.

I am posting this eagle in honor of those who lost their lives and those who lost their loved ones too soon on that terrible day in 2001.  As this is the 11th day of my challenge, it is available for $11.  If you are interested in purchasing it, please email me at lauraparkhurstillustrator@gmail.com.  The first person to contact me will be able to buy it.

Thanks for coming to see my art today. I hope you can come by again tomorrow for my next creation.Please leave a comment if you are so inclined.

A Painting a Day - Day 10

When I was a girl, and I lived on my father's farm, I would often look out across the soybean field below our house and look to see if I could spot that reddish coat of a white tailed deer grazing in the beans.  So as a farmer, I am sure my dad found them to be a nuisance but as a lover of beauty, if he spotted one, he would tell us to hush and point to that reddish spot far out in the midst of the velvety sea of green where the field met the woods.

This little fawn reminds me of those quiet, precious evenings when nature would creep so close to my home.  She is painted in watercolor and is 5 x 7 and ready to frame.  You can purchase her for $10 as this is day 10.

If you are interested in buying this painting please send me an email at lauraparkhurstillustrator@gmail.com.  The first person I hear from can buy her!  Thanks stopping by.  Hope you can come again tomorrow to see another new painting.

Sorry that I didn't get this posted yesterday! I was having trouble with my computer.

A Painting a Day - Day 9

Two prowlers are sitting on a wall, watching the sun set and the moon rise.  This was fun to experiment with lighting and I think it came off pretty well.  I always have liked that eerie glow that cats eyes' have in the dark when they catch a bit of light.  I hope that comes across in this.

I did a doodle of this while I was at work today on a break.  Seems like I am doodling a lot lately. I may be busy with something but my head is on what the next painting is going to be!

The painting for day 9 is available for sale for $9. It is painted on watercolor paper size 5 x 7.  If you are interested in these two kitties please email me at lauraparkhurstillustrator@gmail.com.  The first person I hear from can purchase them!  Thanks for stopping by to see my latest painting.

A Painting a Day - Day 8

Tonight I decided to paint something a bit playful and simple.  Foxes are so enchanting and cute.  I remember when I was a little girl I loved Disney's "The Fox and the Hound".  It was the first movie I ever saw in a theater and I was so in love with the little fox.  And I didn't realize it at the time, but I think that is when I first fell in love with Disney animation too.  The fact that foxes lived in the woods at the back of our farm just made it better.  I remember sneaking up on a litter of baby foxes with my dad and the delight of watching them wrestle and play.

I can't help but feel good about using my spare time for this instead of watching TV and having nothing to show for it.

These playful foxes are available for $8 since it is day 8.  They are on 5 x 7 watercolor paper, ready to be framed. If you are interested in owning this foxy pair, please email me at lauraparkhurstillustrator@gmail.com.  The first person I hear from can buy them.

Thanks for dropping by to see today's project.  Hope you can come again tomorrow!  I am having so much fun making pretty pictures to share with you!

A Painting a Day - Day 7

Seven days of paintings.  I am really amazed that I have stuck with this.  Of course, making it public like this has certainly helped.  I mean, when you tell a couple hundred people that you are going to create a piece of art every day, you kind of have to do it!  And I am so encouraged by the positive feed back everyone is giving me.  I feel like I am doing more than making a product.  I feel like I am making someone smile with something beautiful.

I have always thought huskies are especially beautiful dogs.  And since it is day 7, you can have him for $7.  Just email me at lauraparkhurstillustrator@gmail.com and let me know if you want him.

So glad you stopped by to check out this new piece of art.  Hope you come again tomorrow to see what is new!  Leave a comment and let me know what you think.

A Painting a Day - Day 6

Yesterday's painting was so satisfying to create and then the response it got made me want to do more horses. These two are best friends.  I remember my horses standing out in the field with their long necks curled toward each other and they would bite at the other's mane.  It seemed to feel really good, but who doesn't enjoy getting an itch scratched that you just can't get to?

Day 6 and this painting is for sale for $6.  It is 5 x 7 and ready to mat or frame. The first person to email me will be able to purchase it.  My email is lauraparkhurstillustrator@gmail.com.  Thanks for following my art!  Hope you will visit again tomorrow.

A Painting a Day - Day 5

When I was growing up I loved to draw horses.  I read stories about them, I had toy horses and paper horses and pictures of horses.  All I ever wanted for a birthday or Christmas was a horse.  I finally got one.  Reality doesn't ever fit the fantasy, but it was a lot of fun.

I gave up drawing horses when my art teacher junior year of high school said I should stop and focus on people.  I know he had good intentions, but it really let the air out of my sails.  Drawing people was just not as fun.

Now that I am doing a painting a day, seems like a good reason to paint a horse.  I really like this painting.  But it is for sale and since it is day 5 it is $5.  So if you are interested please email me at lauraparkhurstillustrator@gmail.  The first person I hear from will get this lovely!

Thanks for stopping by to see today's creation.  Hope to you come again tomorrow!

A Painting a Day - Day 4

I saw this handsome boy sitting on my friend's fence early yesterday morning.  The wildlife was on the move: squirrels, robins, a rabbit.  The robin sat for a minute, fluffed in the slight chill of the morning.  It was a good way to start the day and a perfect moment to capture.

Painting 4 is available for $4.  It is 5 x 7 and ready to mat or frame.  If you are interested in this proud robin, you can email me at lauraparkhurstillustrator@gmail.com.

Thanks for stopping by!  I am really enjoying sharing my art with you and I hope you will share it too!

A Painting a Day - Day 3

I can't believe that so early into this project I am starting to feel discouraged!  Such a busy day and so little time to paint until the day is nearly over and here I am squeaking out a picture at 10:30 at night.  But I made it and it is good because I am teaching myself discipline.  To do the job even when I would rather watch an episode of Doctor Who or read everybody's posts on Facebook.  So it is late but I made it and that is what counts.

This painting is what I saw yesterday morning as I came back from walking my kids to the bus stop.  A cat and a dog waiting for me to return.  Now, my cat and my dog are not these colors.  Rather I wanted to experiment with complimentary colors. But this is the posture they were in and I couldn't help feeling loved.

Since this is day three, this painting is for sale for $3!  So if you are interested, please email me at lauraparkhurstillustrator@gmail.com and let me know.  I would love to find these pets a new home!

Thanks so much for stopping by.  Let me know what you think in the projects, either about this painting or my project.  Blessings!

A Painting a Day - Day 2

Day 2 is a portrait of a tabby cat.  She is looking out the sliding glass door, probably watching a bird a few feet away.  I was watching her and admired her unusual pattern.

She is for sale for $2 as it is day 2.  Please email me at lauraparkhurstillustrator@gmail.com if you are interested in purchasing her.

I am really excited about this 100 day challenge.  (Although it seems like there are a hundred challenges going on out there on the internet these days!) By committing to this, I am determining to paint something and I know it is good practice.  Part of being an artist is honing your craft and practice is the only way to do that.  I think all day how I can fit it in and that is really helping me to stay productive.

Thanks so much for stopping by.  Hope you come again tomorrow to see what I will post.  Since animals are my theme, it could be any of God's creatures.

A Painting a Day - Day 1

Here is my 1st painting for my 100 day challenge!  I just finished him and it was good to prove to myself I could finish a picture in between house work and running errands and random conversations with husband and children.

When I began this painting I wasn't sure how well I liked it.  I'm still learning the nuances of watercolor so I felt wobbly at first.  But he came along okay.

He is 5 x 7 and ready for mat or frame.  As it is day one, this puppy is $1 dollar. Tomorrow's picture will be $2.  Please check back then to see what I have come up with.  If you are interested in buying today's watercolor you can email me at lauraparkhurstillustrations@gmail.com.  And if you don't mind, please share this post with your friends and family who also might enjoy an original work of art. Thanks!